One of the biggest political surprises this week was the contest that developed for the 28th District House seat, in northwestern Missouri.

Mark Sheehan was the editorial page editor of the St. Joseph News-Press, happily writing opinion pieces. A former capital correspondent for the paper, he had been with the News-Press for more than 30 years.

Then last Friday, the newspaper eliminated his job as part of a belt-tightening. Four days later, Sheehan threw his hat in the ring as a Democratic candidate for the House.

“I’ve got some free time and pretty high name recognition,” Sheehan said. “If you’re 57 and on a Friday at 4 you’ve got no job, you’ve got to do something.”

Sheehan is challenging Republican Rep. Rob Schaaf, a physician. Schaaf is an aggressive legislator who works hard and doesn’t follow the party line. He has been a thorn in Gov. Matt Blunt’s side, leading the effort that sidelined Insure Missouri, Blunt’s health care plan for the working poor.

Sheehan has complimented Schaaf’s independence in past editorials. Reached Friday, Sheehan said that as an editorial writer, he reflected the voice of the newspaper, which is conservative.

Even so, Sheehan said he considers Schaaf likable and bright.

“He is a maverick, but Jefferson City is a place where herd behavior works better. I’m advocating working together with other people,” particularly to improve health care, Sheehan said. He said he would bring the perspective “of somebody who just lost his insurance.”

Schaaf is taking the sudden competition in stride.

“If he by some miracle wins, then I’m hoping I can get a job at the newspaper,” Schaaf quipped Thursday.

Joking aside, Sheehan hopes his background helps him in rural areas. He said about 45 percent of the district’s vote comes from neighboring Andrew County, where Sheehan lived for 15 years. His wife is a native of that county.

“I think I can make some inroads there,” Sheehan said.